Blog Archive

March 9, 2011

I had a mini-panic attack the other day after realizing I've been in San Francisco for one month already and still only have a bed. That kicked me into gear and forced me to put work down for a minute and really start thinking seriously about selecting furniture, etc. But first, let's finish up the business we started with Week One and talk about paint colors!

Previously I shared my hunt for the perfect gray with you - which I found - and this week it's on to the perfect color for trim! On Sunday I took a trip to my local hardware store and spent a good amount of time look at and discussing Benjamin Moore whites with the colorist on hand.

I was searching for something that looked good with the grays I selected (more on that later!) and didn't have that yellow tint that reminds me of the 70s. I narrowed it down to five different whites based on recommendations from you (thank you for all the comments you left!) and what caught my eye.

Armed with my new samples of White Dove, Decorator's White, Calm, Chantilly Lace, and Simply White, I rushed home to try them all. I'm happy to report, I found a winner! But first, here's a little review of each that I tried.

White Dove: This is one of those colors you always hear about for trim, so naturally I had to try it. For me, it had too much of a yellow undertone, so it was an easy "no."

Decorator's White: I've heard that this is the #1 best selling color for trim and molding, as the name would imply, but it felt too blue and cool paired against my grays. So, this was a no-go for me.

Calm: This "paint chip" actually looks nothing like the real color. It's a very lovely light gray and quite nice. In fact, I'm trying to come up with a way to use it somewhere else, as it's a bit too dark for trim.

Chantilly Lace: It actually dries as a very pure, bright white. I really loved it, but it's too white for the warmth I'm going after. If you're looking for a really stark contrast for your trim, I'd definitely recommend this one.

And the winner is: Simply White! Again, the "paint chip" here looks nothing like the real color. It's a beautiful, warm white, with hints of gray and void of yellow. It's quite perfect and I'm thrilled to have found my white in one shot. How did I discover it you ask? Well, I was on location for a Rue Issue 4 photo shoot last week and the space was painted in this white - I instantly loved it and knew I had to try it.

So, the last room in the house to find paint for is my bedroom. I can't decide if I want to keep with the gray theme so the whole home feels congruent, or indulge in a little (sophisticated) pink. Thoughts? Recommendations?

25 comments:

I love super white by ben moore. Now I'll have to go check out simply white! About the grey vs pink, grey is my favorite color (seems depressing I know), but its nice to mix it up with another color. Maybe paint your bedroom or guest room pink!

I have a perfect BM white that I've been using for years but I only know the number - don't even know if it has a name but I've found that other insiders use it as well. My favorite pink by far is the Farrow and Ball pink ground - it's a beautiful soft shade - very un-bubble gummy!!

I can't wait to see the finished product after all this decision-making!

And as for pinks, I've heard a lot of people regret the color once its painted on the walls, because even when it's subtle, it's still pink! But you're the expert and I'm sure much more bold than the people I know. So go for it!

Um SOOOO glad you started this up again! I have been checking every day to see updates on your space!! I LOVE homes that have a theme throughout...(like your grays) it's very calming and soothing. But your bedroom is yours and yours alone! Pink it up girl.

This is so helpful - especially the reviews explaining why each white does or doesn't work for you. I've got to pick a white or whites for trim within the next month, so this post couldn't have come at a better time. Thanks!

A sophisticated pink in the bedroom would be lovely -- romantic, dreamy and alluring all at once. Personally, I am of the belief that bedrooms should stand out a bit from the rest of the house/apartment, because they are the most intimate space. Happy decorating!

Hi Crystal! So pleasant to scroll down to the last paint color you chose - my living room is also painted in Simply White! I recommended it for a room in a pilates studio in North Beach I recently consulted for too. Nice to see your apartment is moving along! Hope to see you soon. -Lynn

Perhaps a grayish pink would solve the bedroom dilemma? Or a grayish lavender. Keeping the gray involved in the actual color will help with the cohesion.

Delving into whites is something we will be doing soon in our master bedroom. Our wall will be a chocolately brown (husband's choice that I acquiesced to - to keep peace and to get my way in other areas). The trim is where we will be heading into a grayish white that matches some pottery we have. A pure white will be too stark IMO.

Definitely a sophisticated pink. The Pink Ground's tone looks wonderful - I hope it works in your space. Although a home needs to be cohesive, I think the bedroom should be a shade that is warm, that flatters and that stand out a bit from the rest of the home. My take! :) Look forward to seeing what unfolds in your home!

Hi Crystal, I painted my kitchen cabinets Chantilly Lace (http://fallsdesign.blogspot.com/2010/08/my-kitchen-reveal.html) and my basement & guest room Simply White (http://fallsdesign.blogspot.com/2010/10/how-old-is-too-old-for-posters.html & http://fallsdesign.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-basement-progress.html?showComment=1300752678916#c2136816279475261914). I was overwhelmed with so many choices, but they both look absolutely perfect. I loved your apt in Chicago and I can't wait to see your new place.